To ask the Minister for Infrastructure what actions he is taking to address the backlog in MOT tests across NI.

The Driver and Vehicle Agency (DVA) has steadily increased its vehicle testing capacity to pre-Covid levels by adopting a range of measures including the recruitment of additional vehicle examiners, the use of overtime to provide cover for leave and by offering vehicle test appointments on a Sunday and bank holidays, when testing is not normally available.

Official vehicle testing statistics are published on a monthly basis and can be accessed at https://www.infrastructure-ni.gov.uk/articles/driver-and-vehicle-agency-monthly-tests-conducted-statistics.

The DVA continues to experience significant demand for vehicle testing services and in some cases customers may not be able to have their vehicles tested before their current MOT certificate expires. In such cases, customers must book the earliest available test appointment for their vehicle, which may mean travelling to another test centre instead of their preferred location. The DVA releases vehicle test appointments on a daily basis and customers are encouraged to regularly check the booking system as they may be able to change their existing appointment to a different test centre and time if a slot becomes available.

The latest information on MOTs is available on NI Direct at https://www.nidirect.gov.uk/articles/book-view-change-or-cancel-mot-vehicle-test and is also included as an advice note with every MOT Reminder Letter issued to their customers.